Warning: SPOILERS for Dandadan episode #9
Dandadanhas shown no hesitance toward bending genres, defying expectations, and perhaps most importantly, crossing lines. The anime’s first episode stirred up quite a bit of controversy on its own with Momo’s abduction sequence,catching unassuming viewers by surprise at just how far the series was willing to go. And though its darker moments are shown to be balanced by more emotional beats, likeTurbo Granny’s reasoning for haunting the tunnel, fans ofDandadan’s manga knew well that one of the series' more controversial moments would be coming to the anime soon.
Episode #9, titled, “Merge! Super Dover Demon Nessie!” features the climactic showdown between the newly formed supernatural squad and the supercharged, Godzilla-inspired Nessie. And though the battle features more of thehighly impressive visualsthat have come to defineDandadan’s anime adaptation, the events that followhave quickly become the center of online discussion. Relieved by their victory, Momo and Okarun close the episode by lying nude on the floor making rather suggestive comments.
Dandadan’s Anime Keeps Its Most Controversial Scene Lighthearted
A Hilarious Tone Shift Helps One of Dandadan’s Raunchier Moments
Following the tension that formed between Momo and Okarun inDandadan’s previous episode, the two are able to reconcile and grow even closer despite the fierce battle taking place with Nessie in Episode #9. Unfortunately, for some fans, however, they may have grown a little too close. While the anime adapts the moment between its protagonists on the school floor faithfully,the humorous tone shift that follows is an improvementon the manga’s telling of the events, impressing even the series' author.
As the classrooms file out into the hallway to make a spectacle out of Momo and Okarun, the animation and art style become far more stripped back and cartoonish. The two main characters, later joined by Aira, flee the premises with over-the-top, muppet-like expressions, and hilariously animated running. While the moment may still be questionable, the anime does an excellent job of robbing any of the seriousness from it,keeping the whole ordeal lighthearted.
Aira Is the Newest Character Caught Up In Supernatural Embarrassment
Pushing Characters Outside Their Comfort Zones Causes Growth
Aside from adding toan age-old anime trope, Aira’s addition to the team of supernatural high schoolers continues a trend thatDandadanseems intent on following, all to push character progression. Since the inception of their powers in the series' first episode, Momo and Okarun have been consistently put into uncomfortable or humiliating positions, forcing both tolower their guards and operate outside of their comfort zones. By doing so, both have become a little kinder and more understanding of one another.
The most recent episode’s embarrassing moment, in which the three characters are exposed in front of the whole school, now pushes Aira to sacrifice her perfect image in order to save the day and ultimately become a better person. WhileDandadanmay be guilty of pushing the envelope, it has consistently proven to do so with the best intentions for its characters and story. This won’t be the last time the series crosses a line, but it will surely continue to be shocking, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and exciting nonetheless.
Dandadan
Cast
Two high school students, embroiled in a wager to prove the existence of ghosts or aliens, encounter daunting paranormal threats, acquire superpowers, and possibly discover love. The series blends supernatural elements with personal dynamics as the protagonists navigate their newfound abilities and unexpected challenges.
